Everton face a potentially busy final week of the transfer window, with work still to be done before the deadline, most notably at right-back. The club is also open to doing business for some squad players, recognising that outgoings are now a crucial part of modern football finances. One outstanding question for the days ahead is whether they can fend off late interest in players they do not want to let go.
Right-back remains the priority
Addressing the longstanding issue at right-back was one of Everton's top priorities at the start of the summer. The problem pre-dates the arrival of the Friedkin Group and the return of David Moyes, and its persistence threatens to undermine another campaign. Both had hoped to resolve it last summer, only for Kenny Tete to sign fresh terms with Fulham. While Jake O'Brien worked hard in that position for a second consecutive year, Moyes' lack of faith in other options, including Nathan Patterson — the only specialist right-back in the squad after Seamus Coleman's exit this summer — deprived him of the ability to move the centre-back to his natural position as Jarrad Branthwaite's injury proved the catalyst for a miserable end to last season.
Moyes repeatedly acknowledged the need for a solution in the second half of last season, making the failure to find one peculiar. Chief executive Angus Kinnear projected confidence that a signing would be made last week and said the targets identified earlier in the summer remained available. Yet Moyes having to start the season with another square peg in a round hole, choosing to use midfielder Merlin Rohl there against Crystal Palace, was not ideal. While Moyes and Kinnear appeared to have diverging views on some key issues in their respective interviews last week, by the time Moyes spoke after the opening day win, it was clear both agreed the club needed to sign a right-back before the end of next Tuesday.
Other areas under consideration
The club has pursued a host of players this summer, with Moyes understood to be a fan of Guela Doue at Strasbourg, though his valuation is considered challenging. A move for Alistair Johnston at Celtic was being explored before his injury, and the club has also looked at Fulham's Timothy Castagne and Palace's Daniel Munoz, who shared a moment with Moyes at full-time at the weekend. Where Moyes and Kinnear may differ is on what else is needed to enhance the squad. Moyes pointed to there being a lot of work still to be done on the eve of the campaign, while Kinnear stressed he was pleased with the business to date and publicly set the targets of pushing for Europe and challenging for the cup competitions this season.
Thierno Barry's goalscoring start to the season was met with positivity, and there is a belief he could grow into a more consistent goalscorer, but the forward line is one area the club would likely be open to improving on if circumstances were right. Moyes still likes Liam Delap after challenging Chelsea for his signature last summer, though a move may soon be unavailable if Nottingham Forest build on their interest. A decision also needs to be made at left-back after Adam Aznou, yet to play in the Premier League since joining 12 months ago, was left out of the squad for Palace. If Moyes does not believe he can offer competition for Vitalii Mykolenko, it would be sensible to allow him to leave on loan and for another option to be sought, at least in the short-term.
Grealish question and potential outgoings
There is also the question of Jack Grealish. The club has maintained its relationship with the popular playmaker through the summer, and at various times it has been clear the Blues would like to pursue his return and that the player would be open to it after a successful loan spell ended prematurely through injury. While a move could still happen, new Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca used Grealish in the Community Shield and the club's Premier League opener against Bournemouth, and has also sanctioned the departure of Savinho to Tottenham Hotspur. Everton would have to decide whether to risk potentially stymying the development of young wingers Tyler Dibling and Tyrique George, who both had good summers.
What the club is willing to do will be shaped, in part, by outgoings. Interest is likely to be considered in Patterson, Tim Iroegbunam, Carlos Alcaraz and Beto, all of whom have entered the final year of their deals, though the club has the option to extend some of their contracts. Of them, Iroegbunam has had the most interest, and talks over a move to Hull City recently broke down after he suffered an injury in a friendly against Stuttgart. That injury is not seen as a serious impediment to a deal by those around the player and Everton, with some hope he could return to training before the deadline passes.
The club could be forced into more late business should a player closer to the first team come under attention in the next week. The Athletic reported this week that offers for Jake O'Brien could be considered, a revelation that caused shock among sections of the fanbase who believe he should be being readied to start alongside Jarrad Branthwaite. If he was to depart, Everton would need a replacement. There will also be intrigue around Iliman Ndiaye, who was being courted by Al-Hilal but whose ambitions remain in Europe. A good start to the season from the Senegal winger will only have seen his reputation grow further, and there are several high-profile clubs looking to improve on the left of midfield. The player has three years left on his current deal, so Everton would be in a strong position to dictate terms over him should a late bid come in.
